From the NY Daily News’ Roger Rubin.
The Mets met twice on Tuesday with Hoffman’s agent, Rick Thurman, and will speak with him again today. The righthander, who is 42 saves shy of the all-time lead, could be an excellent “get” if Wagner and the Phillies somehow mend their fences.
“He would definitely go to the Mets,” Thurman said yesterday. “They are committed to winning with a first-class team and Trevor wants to be with a team in contention.”
Today is the final day that clubs may negotiate exclusively with their own free agents. Both Wagner and Hoffman could be seeing offer sheets by tomorrow as more than 10 teams may be looking for a closer and – like the Mets – have it at the top of their wish lists.
“A number of teams want their closer situation shored up quickly because it will be hard to attract the front-line starters without one,” said Thurman, who estimated that more than 10 teams have called to express interest in Hoffman, a four-time All-Star.
The last standing offer to Wagner, the 34-year-old with the 100 mph fastball, was for two years with a vesting third based on appearances. According to a baseball official it’s for well below the $10 million per season he is almost certain to be offered by other clubs, including the Mets.
“I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t have already gone to three years,” Wagner told the Philadelphia Inquirer of the Phillies’ offer. “I can understand not wanting to do a full no-trade clause, but I can’t understand why they’re not going three years. I’m surprised.”
He added that he would not accept any offer for fewer than three seasons, “not when the Mets and a few other teams will guarantee three.”
The longer it takes, the more chance there is of them being overtaken by another team,” Wagner said. “Starting (tomorrow) it’s going to be harder and harder for the Phillies to have my ear. . . . I think it’s only right that I hear what other teams have to say – especially a great situation like the Mets.”
Could anything be more exciting than a pair of aging relievers, seeking 3 year deals worth $9-$10 million per, saying so many glowing things about the Mets?
34 is “pushing 40?”
Also, is it me or was this a HORRIBLY written story?
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doesn’t he mean, if they CAN’T mend their fence?
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doesn’t he mean, have THEM at the top of their wish lists?
< <...said Thurman, who estimated that more than 10 teams have called to express interest in Hoffman, a four-time All-Star.>>
that’s just awkward – saying “estinated” and then “more than 10”
looks like i screwed up cutting and pasting – oh well
In answer to Gerard’s question: yes. And it’s this: the Mets are negotiating to bring back Roberto Hernandez and possibly Braden Looper as the aging setup men for these aging closers.
Could the club just pay Aaron Heilman $9 million per and PRETEND that he’s in his mid-thirties and has missed time with arm troubles?
It is worth $9mil/year to not have the angina that watching Looper induces at $5.3mil/year.
Maybe they should spend a few million bucks on a hitting coach that’ll teach Mr. Reyes to take 2 or more pitches per at bat. That would be a better long term investment than Manram.
I’ve often wondered how much of an impact the hitting coach really has. I’ve heard it said that by the time a player has hit the show, most of his tendencies are pretty much established, and trying to teach a 2 or 3 vet how to be patient at the plate is a lot easier said than done. Which doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the effort in this case.